new audio CD format

[Onceler]

I just read on cdr info about the new format,if I am reading right these discs will work in an old CD player,I can't be reading that right just how is a format based on blue diodes compatible with infrared?

Moved to appropriate forum - Moderator Rubycon

 

[PottedMeat]

What format? This Blu-Spec CD thing? http://www.ps3sacd.com/index.html#_20081105 ?

It looks to be simply a refinement of the regular CD manufacturing process. Using shorter wavelength light to create the pits makes them sharper and Sony thinks when read with a regular longer wavelength the signal read will be less noisy. The CD is the same, just sharper.

 

[Mark R]

Yeah - just a tightening up of the manufacturing specs for CD. Supposedly to make the CDs read more accurately.

However, unless they're pretty roughed up, CDs read the data perfectly - they have to, since bit errors sound terrible. I mean you use CD-Rs (which are much less precise) for digital data -you'd be pissed if the data didn't read back perfectly everytime, and was randomly corrupted. (OK, I grant that CD-ROM has more error correction than CD-audio, but CDA has the bulk of it).

 

[mewarules]

one thing to note is that the audio industry is very concerned about keeping your business. to release a new format that isnt backwards compatable is a massive step for them and goes through decades of development to get it perfect. they cant be setting standards on a whim just because one company thinks its better (ahem,,,sony). if theres a new media it has to be leaps better (quality and usability) than the current for even consideration. a change in format that makes the old standard obsolete is very rare and only happens in ~20yrs increments, at best.

basically, i wouldnt worry about redbook cd's. theyll be with us as forefront audio media for many years to come.